Australia Zoo, QLD

Crikey, what a day this was! Everyone in my generation and earlier knows that one of the most famous Australians to ever exist is Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter!
My childhood was full of TV shows that he started in that give lots of information about animals (such as crocs) and how to protect them. The Australia Zoo is just like that. Situated on Steve Irwin way, his wife & children continue his legacy as conservationists.

It is not a normal Zoo. The animals aren’t kept in small cages separated by species. The kangaroos & koalas are in a field tame enough to stroke and hold. The shows aren’t cruel shows at all but interactions with the keepers while another person does a voiceover letting the audience know some important facts and conservation efforts.

While we were there, the Australia Zoo Keepers were feeding, weighing & measuring the lemurs to ensure that they were healthy. The lemurs are free to explore without the restraints of a cage and we are encouraged to give them space and not approach them.

At midday there is a show at the Crocoseum, a fun combination of the words crocodile and colleseum. I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you so all I’ll say is that it involves birds and crocodiles and a wealth of information rather than tricks.

I was made aware that Koalas are currently destined for extinction. Koalas May be extinct on the south-east coast of Queensland within 10 years. Their biggest threats include habitat destruction, disease and injury by dogs and cars, all of which can be slowed down by the efforts of humans.

The tiger show isn’t a show at all but a window into how they are trained to use the skills that they would use in the wild. This can include jumping, stretching, swimming & climbing.

It is the best day out you could possibly hope for and at only $60 per adult it is 100% worth it. Make sure you don’t miss the Croc show.